One of the greatest things about Blue Note's golden age was the open policy of musician's pairings. If a leader did not have a set working band at the time, the cream of east coast players, unless prevented contractually, might be called in for a studio date. The resulting lineups on a vast amount of the label's prime releases often featured multiple horn greats, fronting equally extraordinary rhythm sections. Nowhere was this more evident than in many of the recordings booked for trumpeter Donald Byrd. Byrd In Hand brings aboard twin saxophones; Charlie Rouse on tenor and baritone master Pepper Adams, who would continue to appear on Byrd's records for years to come. Rouse, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Art Taylor had played with Monk and were a brilliant, collective choice. Completing the sextet is pianist Walter Davis Jr., who contributes two masterful songs of his own, "Bronze Dance" and "Clarion Calls." Their inventive take on the standard "Witchcraft" is a highlight not to be missed.